Analysis of the thigh rotation angle in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome during stair walking

Abstract

Introduction: The femur rotation can lead to increased pain in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). However, few studies are found in order to measure this rotation. Objective: Compare the angle of the femur rotation of patients with and without PFPS during stair climbing. Methods: Femur rotation was analyzed in 11 female volunteers with PFPS and 22 without PFPS using the Ariel Performance Analysis System for data acquisition and digitization, an algorithm for calculating the rotation and Student’s t-test for comparison of data, with 5% of significance. Results: Regarding external rotation, the PFPS group had a higher angle 8.86° (±7.6°) in relation to the control group 5.72° (±5.0°) (p=0.015). Conclusion: The results showed that individuals with PFPS presented a greater external rotation angle, what can be the factor that causes the pain, as further rotation leads to an increase in patellar pressure.